The body of Professor Abul Kashem Fazlul Haq, eminent political thinker, writer, academician, former Chairman of the Bengali Department at Dhaka University, and President of Bangla Academy, was taken to the Central Shaheed Minar in the capital at 11:00am on Monday (July 6).
People from all walks of life paid their final respects to the coffin of Professor Abul Kashem Fazlul Haq there.
He passed away on Sunday (July 5) at the age of 86 after suffering from a heart attack.
A large crowds gathered as his coffin was taken to the Central Shaheed Minar, Dhaka University's Aparajeyo Bangla, and the Bangla Academy premises.
After the second namaj-e-janaza at the Dhaka University's central mosque after Zohr prayer, his body will be taken to the Mirpur Intellectuals' Graveyard where he will be laid to rest.
Earlier at 10:30am, Abul Kashem Fazlul Haq's body was taken to the Bangla Academy. Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury paid his respects to him. On behalf of the Bangla Academy, Director General Mohammad Azam, along with the officers and employees, paid tribute. Abul Kashem Fazlul Haq was the president of the Bangla Academy.
The passing of the prominent essayist, researcher, and thinker has sparked profound national grief. Senior leaders and political parties issued separate condolence messages
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed deep grief, stating that the nation has lost an eminent academic and writer whose void will not be easily filled.
Condolences were also offered by former Chief Adviser of the interim government Professor Muhammad Yunus, and BNP leader Shamsuzzaman Dudu, Speaker of the National Parliament.
BNP Secretary General and LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.
Profound condolences were also expressed by the National Citizen Party (NCP), Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (BSD), National Poetry Council, and Dhaka University's White Panel.
Professor Abul Kashem Fazlul Haq left behind his wife Farida Prodhan, daughter Shuchita Sharmin (first female Vice-Chancellor of Barishal University), daughter-in-law Razia Rahman, grandchildren, and numerous well-wishers. His son, Faysal Arefin Dipan, publisher of Jagriti Prokashani, was killed by extremists on October 31, 2015, during an attack at Aziz Super Market in Dhaka.
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